Overview
This lecture covers the core beliefs, teachings, and practices for AQA GCSE Religious Studies Islam, including key concepts, differences between Sunni and Shia Islam, major practices, and common exam questions.
Sunni & Shia Islam
- Sunni and Shia are the two largest denominations; Sunnis comprise about 85%, Shia about 10%.
- Sunnis believe Abu Bakr was Muhammad's rightful successor; Shia believe it was Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law.
- Sunni core beliefs: six articles of faith—Tawhid, angels, holy books, prophets, supremacy of God's will.
- Shia core beliefs: five roots of Usul ad-Din—Tawhid, prophethood, justice of God (Adalat), imamate, and resurrection.
Key Beliefs & Teachings
- Tawhid: belief in the oneness of God; Islam is a monotheistic religion.
- Supremacy of God's will: God is in control of everything and Muslims trust in His will.
- Angels: created from light, have no free will, act as messengers, guardians, and recorders of deeds.
- Nature of God: God is immanent (close), transcendent (beyond), omnipotent, beneficial, merciful, and just.
- Predestination: Sunni Muslims believe in divine decree, Shia Muslims emphasize human free will.
- Life after death: humans exist consciously in the grave (barzakh), are judged after resurrection, and receive reward or punishment.
Prophets & Holy Books
- Prophets (Risalah): Adam (first prophet), Ibrahim (rebuilt Kaaba, tested by sacrifice), Muhammad (last and greatest prophet).
- Muhammad received the final revelation (Quran) on the Night of Power.
- The Quran: perfect, unchanged word of God, recited in Arabic; 114 suras arranged by length.
- Other holy books: Torah (Tawrat), Psalms (Zabur), Gospel (Injil), but only the Quran remains uncorrupted.
Practices (Acts of Worship)
- Five Pillars (for Sunnis): Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer 5 times daily), Zakah (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
- Ten Obligatory Acts (for Shia): include some pillars, plus Jihad (struggle), Khums (annual tax), and principles like encouraging good and avoiding evil.
- Shahada: declaration of faith; central to Muslim identity.
- Salah: helps Muslims connect with Allah, shows equality and discipline.
- Sawm: fasting during Ramadan; teaches self-discipline and empathy.
- Zakah: mandatory charity (2.5% of savings); helps achieve social equality.
- Hajj: once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage; retraces steps of Ibrahim and Muhammad.
Jihad & Festivals
- Greater Jihad: personal spiritual struggle to obey God and improve oneself.
- Lesser Jihad: defending Islam, rarely applicable today.
- Eid al-Adha: commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son; celebrated at end of Hajj.
- Eid al-Fitr: celebrates end of Ramadan and completion of fasting.
- Ashura (Shia): commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein, a solemn day for Shia Muslims.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Tawhid — Oneness of God.
- Imamate — Shia belief in leadership from Muhammad’s bloodline.
- Salah — Five daily prayers.
- Zakah — Mandatory charity in Islam.
- Hajj — Pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Jihad — Spiritual or physical struggle for Islam.
- Barzakh — State between death and resurrection.
- Surah — Chapter of the Quran.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch the live revision stream on May 8 (6–8 p.m.) for exam prep.
- Review and memorize the Five Pillars and key beliefs for both Sunni and Shia Islam.
- Practice answering common exam questions, focusing on influences and importance.